Key Takeaways
- Shiru and GreenLab have announced a strategic partnership to commercialize novel food proteins using GreenLab’s corn expression system.
- This collaboration combines AI-powered protein discovery with scalable, plant-based protein production, offering an alternative to traditional microbial and fermentation-based methods.
- The partnership aims to develop sustainable and cost-effective functional ingredients, initially targeting the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector.
- Corn-based protein production provides a high-yield, energy-efficient, and cost-effective alternative, integrating seamlessly into existing food, feed, and fuel supply chains.
- The initiative supports a broader vision for reducing reliance on petroleum-based and chemically derived ingredients in bioindustrial applications.
Advancing Sustainable Protein Production
AI-Driven Discovery Meets Scalable Crop-Based Manufacturing
Shiru, a leader in AI-powered ingredient discovery, has partnered with GreenLab, a pioneer in plant-based protein expression, to commercialize functional food proteins using GreenLab’s corn expression system.
This collaboration expands Shiru’s manufacturing capabilities, integrating a high-yield, plant-based platform alongside microbial and precision fermentation methods. By leveraging AI to identify high-performance proteins and corn as a natural biofactory, the partnership aims to scale sustainable food ingredients efficiently and cost-effectively.
“This partnership brings together some of the best natural protein compounds with a highly productive agricultural production platform to manufacture proteins that are not only sustainable but also scalable and commercially viable.” — Dr. Jasmin Hume, Founder & CEO, Shiru
Key Benefits of the Partnership Between GreenLab & Shiru
1. Faster, More Efficient Ingredient Development
- Shiru’s AI-driven platform identifies functional proteins, which GreenLab’s corn expression system produces at scale.
- Accelerates time-to-market for next-generation food ingredients.
2. Scalable and Cost-Effective Protein Production
- Corn-based protein expression allows large-scale expansion with minimal upfront infrastructure investment.
- After protein extraction, residual corn integrates into food, feed, and fuel supply chains, reducing waste.
3. Lower Costs, Higher Yields
- More efficient than traditional fermentation, reducing production costs.
- Enables affordable access to high-performance food proteins for CPG brands.
4. Versatility in Food Applications
- Supports a broad range of ingredients, from clean-label additives to novel sweeteners and enzymes.
- Expands possibilities for CPG manufacturers seeking natural, healthy, and sustainable alternatives.
5. Sustainable, Low-Impact Production
- Uses plants as biofactories, reducing reliance on energy-intensive protein production methods.
- Ensures a reliable, climate-resilient supply of food proteins.
“We’re fundamentally changing how the industry approaches protein production. Corn is a powerful and efficient system for expressing proteins, and by working with Shiru, we’re taking the next step in creating truly scalable, commercially viable, and sustainable ingredients for CPG companies worldwide.” — Maurice Moloney, President & CSO, GreenLab
Scaling Up for Commercialization
The Shiru-GreenLab partnership will initially focus on:
- Optimizing protein expression in GreenLab’s corn-based system for Shiru’s high-value functional proteins.
- Scaling production to meet growing commercial demand.
- Working with food and beverage companies to integrate sustainable ingredients into mainstream products.
